See 1980s bathroom decor & color schemes for that real retro look

Vintage 1980s bathroom decor and color schemes

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Take a look back at these great examples of more than fifty different 1980s bathroom decor ideas — along with authentically retro color schemes — that cover the gamut from elegant to eccentric to extra-dated.

+ DESIGNER 1980S BATHROOM DECOR STYLES & COLOR SCHEMES

Vintage ’80s Rain Forest green bathroom (1986)

The six colors of the Rain Forest Family are Parchment, Evergreen, White, Aspen Green, French Vanilla, and Black Black.

We’ve chosen the paler shades as our major colors and used the deeper tones to accent and accessorize. You may also wish to substitute darker shades from the family as your major colors if you prefer a more intense palette.

Rain Forest family color bathroom decor scheme (1986)


Wild rose — Meadow retro ’80s bathroom decor color scheme

The colors in our Meadow Family are French Vanilla, Heron Blue, Wild Rose, Aspen Green, Tender Grey and White.

We’ve built this monochromatic color scheme around Wild Rose for a totally pastel look. You may wish to do the same, using Heron Blue or Aspen Green, for example.

Wild rose Meadow retro 1980s bathroom decor color scheme


Vintage ’80s Natural & Native bathroom color scheme (1986)

Our Natural & Native Family contains the colors Thunder Grey, Tender Grey White, Almond, Mexican Sand and Black Black.

Nearly every color is represented in this bath, with the darker ones predominant. The result is a masculine simplicity that is both bold and warm.

Vintage 80s Natural and Native bathroom color scheme (1986)


Retro Natural and Rain Forest powder room color schemes from the eighties

The Natural & Native powder room has rich black fixtures as focal points, providing a look that’s crisp, clean and bold in this small, but well-planned powder room.

The Rain Forest powder room features Aspen Green plumbing fixtures and pastels on walls and floor. Deeper colors are used as accents.

Retro Natural and Rain Forest powder room color schemes from the eighties


Vintage ’80s Beach blue bathroom color scheme (1986)

The six colors representing the Beach family are Navy Tender Grey Taupe, Heron Blue, White and Country Grey.

Here, we see a bathroom setting the Beach family that is soft and neutral. By substituting the stronger Navy, however, you can achieve a bolder look.

Vintage 1980s Beach blue bathroom color scheme (1986)


Retro ’80s Roseleaf bathroom decor (1986)

The seven colors in the Roseleaf Family include raspberry Puree, Wild Rose, Thunder Grey, White, Innocent Blush, Tender Grey and Taupe.

We’ve selected the strong shades of rose and raspberry here, and accented em with neutrals.

If you prefer more muted tones, you can confidently select other major, secondary and accent colors from the family as part of your decorating palette.

Editor’s note: The big pearly ball accents above and below the bath were certainly… distinctive.

MORE: Hot tub time machines: See some retro backyard Jacuzzi hot tubs & whirlpool baths from the ’80s

Retro '80s Roseleaf bathroom decor (1986)


Roseleaf and Beach powder room decor from the eighties

Here, the Roseleaf Color Family comes to life in a powder room. We’ve used the deep rose hues of Raspberry Puree as our dominant color scheme, complemented by shades of grey. In this small space, we’ve purposely kept the number of colors to a minimum.

Plumbing fixtures in Taupe set a soft and subdued mood for the spacious powder room done in Beach Family colors.

Roseleaf and Beach powder room decor from the eighties


Mallard green family color bathroom decor scheme (1986)

The six colors comprising the Mallard family are Navy White, Tender Grey Evergreen, Mexican Sand and Raspberry Puree.

We’ve used the deeper registers as our major colors here, resulting in a dramatic bath highlighted by rich brass faucets. If you choose to develop your own color scheme, it’s wise to limit the number of colors from the family to three.

Mallard green family color bathroom decor scheme (1986)


Symphony bathroom style in ruby red (1986)

Sophie Robert and Jean Michel Wilmotte introduce Symphony.

S.R.: “We have found in Eljer’s new color, Versailles Ruby, the inspiration for the design of this bathroom.”

J.M.W.: “Versailles Ruby is a warm, vibrant hue. A very original and perfect color for the bathroom. Just look at this Renaissance whirlpool bath. Its deep ruby color says you can really relax here.”

S.R.: “Just as you can relay the sofa under the skylight rotunda. It is a perfect place for conversation, little secrets.”

J.M.W.: “On either side of the bath, we have the ‘lady’s’ or ‘gentleman’s’ area with Eljer’s new Jonquil octagonal wash basins, delicately outlined with a gold border.”

Symphony bathroom style in ruby red (1986)


Blue Mood bathroom decor with rounded everything (1986)

Gunther Krieglstein’s bath adapts to the human form.

“My design is inspired by the human body, which has no sharp corners and is round everywhere. From this idea, I decided my bathroom should have no corners either; that everything in it should be round, even the bathroom fixtures and accessories.

“That’s why Eljer’s beautiful new Contoura bathroom fixtures and accessories fit my idea so well. Each of these pieces has round, sculptured shapes, accented by flowing art lines.

“The Contoura two-piece toilet has a round tank with a pushbutton flush on top of the tank. A matching bidet complements it.

“The lovely Contoura pedestal lavatory has round faucets and matching ceramic soap dish and a toiletries shelf placed over the lavatory. Even the Renaissance bath fits nicely into a rounded niche — a perfect place to read a book, eat some fruit, even drink a little champagne.

“In the ancient Roman houses. the bathroom was a spa, a place to relax. But why not? Why shouldn’t we enjoy the bathroom as the Romans? Let’s do as the Romans did.”

Gunther Krieglstein’s BLUE MOOD bath features the following Eljer products: Renaissance Bath. Contoura Toilet. Contoura Bidet. Contoura Lavatory. Avante Faucets. Contoura Accessories. Bath shown in Glacier Blue. Toilet, bidet, and lavatory available in Blue Ice.

Blue Mood bathroom decor with rounded everything (1986)


Taos bath interior design with brown & sandalwood tan decor (1986)

Stephen Mead reveals how modern materials suit Eller’s Sandalwood bath fixtures to a “T.”

“Since I wanted to use Eljer’s new Glencove bath and wall-surround system, I chose modern, man-made materials for the bathroom’s interior to complement the super-smooth feel and look of this bath unit.

“For the wall, I used a laminate, which provides an easy transition from the bath material, and results in easily cleaned and maintainable wall surfaces.

Taos bath interior design with brown and sandalwood tan decor (1986)

DON’T MISS: See inside the home of Dallas actress Linda Gray (1982)

“I found the sculptured, high-style shape of Eljer’s New Emblem toilet attractive. Its Sandalwood tan color playing well against the dark brown rubber tile floor. Ditto for Eljer’s Valencia bidet.

“Eljer’s new and exciting Donegal hexagonal lavatories fit in perfectly, too. I’ve set two of them into the vanity at an interval that allows two people to use the space without congestion.

“Overall, I believe the color scheme results in a comfortable, upbeat atmosphere for an on-the-go couple needing space to spread out in a visually-stimulating bathroom.”

Stephen Mead’s TAOS BATH [above] features the following Elger products: Glencove Bath and Wall-Surround System. New Emblem Tollet. Valencia Bldet. Donegal Lavatory. Orleans Faucets. Clarisse Accessories. Fixtures shown in Sandalwood.

Brown bathroom decor from 1980 at ClickAmericana com


Retro metro marble bathroom design and decor (1986)

Why Lyn Peterson and Kristiina Ratia chose a high-tech feeling for this bath.

L.P: “We chose to decorate our Eljer bath in an eclectic high-tech style. because high tech combines high style and technology.”

K.R.: “In many ways, this bath is engineered rather than designed. The two new Eljer Jasmine octagonal lavatories are separated by the width of the Nobility bath, creating two separate spheres of activity.”

L.P: “The colors of the bath fixtures. which includes the Coventry toilet and Valencia bidet, are sleek and achromatic — Eljer’s Classic Gray and Platinum. They’re great decorating colors:”

K.R.: “A bathroom like this desanctifies design. These Eljer bath fixtures and these surfaces — marble, tin, ceramic, sheetrock and chrome — are straightforward and honest.”

L.P.: “They all deliver as promised. To us, this is what the bath is all about: private, personal and performance-oriented. It works.”

Peterson’s and Ratia’s METRO BATH features the following Eller products: Nobility Bath. Coventry Toilet. Valencia Bidet. Jasmine Octagonal Lavatory. Dimension Faucets. Chrysta Accessories. Bath shown in Platinum. Toilet, bidet, and lavatory in Classic Gray.

Retro metro marble bathroom design and decor (1986)


Rhapsody in Glacier Blue bathroom decor (1986)

Stephen Mead shows how Eljer’s Glacier Blue can unify a bathroom space.

“In this bathroom, I use color and detail to achieve an attractive and comfortable cohesiveness in a rather fragmented space.

“That’s why I chose Eljer’s new Glacier Blue for the fixtures. It is a classic color that does not intrude nor overpower the design, yet it is a color that is strong enough to unify the bathroom.

“Eljer’s Coventry toilet is an elegant, new one-piece that features a slightly higher profile than most one-piece units and mates well with Eljer’s Valencia bidet.

Rhapsody in Glacier Blue bathroom decor (1986)

“The lavatory is another Eljer design. The Reminisce is a luxuriously roomy 30-inch by 20-inch oval in vitreous china. I’ve also selected a new line of Eljer faucets, called Ambiance Round, which I find quite attractive.

“The bath — Eljer’s Continental model — is a deep, restful whirlpool unit installed in a platform and centered under a fixed-glass window.

“In all, the harmonizing effect of using color, texture and pattern results In a bath that encapsulates and encloses the user in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.”

Stephen Mead’s RHAPSODY bath [above] features the following Eljer products: Continental Bath. Coventry Toilet. Valencia Bidet. Reminisce Oval Lavatory. Ambiance Round Faucets. Amente Accessories. Fixtures shown in Glacier Blue.

Brown bathroom decor from 1980s at ClickAmericana com


Neo-classic bathroom decor in jade and black (1986)

Michael de Santis talks about how he designed Jet Splash.

“I especially envisioned this bath for a penthouse apartment, using four black lacquer columns on either side of palladian-like windows. Eljer’s Continental bath fits in perfectly with the neo-classic look I wanted to achieve.”

Michael de Santis’ JET SPLASH bathroom features the following Eljer products: Continental Bath. Patrician Toilet. Valencia Bidet. Romanique Oval Lavatory. Grandela Faucets. Astoria Accessories. Fixtures shown in Versailles Onyx.

Neo-classic bathroom decor in jade and black (1986)

Michael de Santis for Eljer - Jet Splash theme


+ POPULAR AFFORDABLE 1980S BATHROOM DECOR STYLES

Retro golden yellow bathroom decor (1981)

This bathroom has yellow bathroom fixtures, wooden cabinetry and accents, and yellow/gold/brown fern motif wallpaper

Golden yellow bathroom decor from 1981

Yellow gold bathroom decor from early 1980s at ClickAmericana com

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Pink 1980s bathroom decor with trendy style (1982)

New from Sears. Our “Pure & Simple” collection offers the latest contemporary styling to dramatize any size bathroom.

Quality craftsmanship throughout. Doors and drawer fronts are of solid oak with brass-plated pulls. Sides are wood-veneered. Each piece is hand-rubbed to a glowing natural oak finish.

Everything matches beautifully to create The Total Bath. And everything shown here is available at Sears.

ALSO SEE: Remember retro toilet paper that had colors & patterns?

Pink 80s bathroom decor with simple style (1982)


Oak finish and cane bath decor (1981)

For any size bathroom, here’s a Total Bath to delight in. Sears Best vanities and cabinets are crafted with solid oak frames and drawer fronts, for sturdiness and natural cane for airy beauty. They have wood-veneered sides with a hand-rubbed light oak finish.

Oak finish and cane bath decor (1981)


Wooden bathroom cabinets from the eighties

Wooden bathroom cabinets from the 80s


Late ’80s simple bathroom style

Late 80s simple bathroom decor


Retro Mallard duck plaid bathroom decor (1989)

Retro duck plaid bathroom decor from 1989


Super basic retro 80s bathroom cabinet and decor from 1988

Super basic retro 80s bathroom cabinet and decor from 1988


Vintage ’80s blue bathroom decor (1981)

Save from 21% to 42% on the traditional elegance of this Total Bath from Sears

Whatever size bathroom you want to re-do, Sears can help. Choose our smartly harmonizing fixtures for a total coordinated look.

Do it now. And save with these low sale prices.

Traditional Vanities — Vanity Shown in white louvered design; Chromed Faucet; Three-Way Medicine Cabinet; Matching Light Bar.

Vintage '80s blue bathroom decor (1981)


+ FRILLY 1980S BATHROOM DECOR STYLES

1980s blue duck/goose bathroom decor and accessories

Frilly vintage 1980s blue bathroom decor and accessories


Frilly pink shower curtains and bathroom decor that screams “1980s”

Frilly vintage bathroom shower curtains and home decor - 1980s (3)


Retro 1980s orange bathroom decor and frilly curtains

Retro 1980s orange bathroom decor and frilly curtains


Vintage ’80s frilly country-style bathroom home decor

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Vintage 80s frilly country bathroom home decor


Frilly white vintage bathroom decor from the eighties

Frilly white vintage bathroom decor from the eighties


Country style vintage bathroom decor from 1989

Country style vintage bathroom decor from 1989


Dusky pink bathroom suite with frilly ’80s decor

ALSO SEE: Vintage Dial Soap: See what they said those bars of soap could do

Dusky pink bathroom suite with frilly 80s decor


Super-pink butterfly-themed retro bathroom decor

The pink-on-pink frilled curtains are matched with rosy bathroom carpeting, coral bathroom accessories, and blush bath towels.

DON’T MISS: 28 vintage pink bathrooms: See some wild bubblegum-era midcentury home decor of the 1950s & 1960s

Retro 1980s pink bathroom decor and frilly curtains


Retro eighties floral bathroom in primary colors (1981)

ALSO SEE: Remember flower-shaped bathtub stickers? See Rubbermaid non-slip tub appliques from the ’60s & ’70s

Retro eighties white and red floral bathroom - Primary colors (1981)


Young at heart primary color bathroom accessories (1980)

Young at heart primary color bathroom accessories from 1980

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Farmhouse green bathroom decor (1980)

Farmhouse green bathroom decor (1980)


+ HIGH-END 1980S BATHROOM DECOR STYLES

“Frozen” blue bathroom suite and tile by Villeroy and Boch

WE DON’T FOLLOW TRENDS. WE SET THEM…

Since 1903, people have been buying coordinating bathroom fixtures and ceramic tile from Villeroy & Boch.

Recently, other manufacturers have “introduced” that concept. That’s OK, though, because we still have the largest selection worldwide and the quality control that comes from being the manufacturer of both ceramic tile and plumbing fixtures.

You’ll find our fixtures in ten designer colors for 1985, including stellar, sunset and magnolia.

Coordinate them with over 60 styles of tile, in colors and patterns from Egyptian to Art Nouveau to contemporary, in both decorative and solids. Even the accessories are coordinated, from the bathroom linen to the towel bar and cup holder.

ALSO SEE: Colorful Kohler bathroom suites from the ’60s & ’70s

Vintage 1980s Frozen blue bathroom suite and tile by Villeroy and Boch (2)

Vintage 1980s Frozen blue bathroom suite and tile by Villeroy and Boch (1)


Large square raised custom tub in a bathroom with large skylights

DON’T MISS: See the ’80s home of vintage celebrities Mary Ann Mobley & Gary Collins

The bubble bath skylight - Vintage eighties bathroom design (1986)


Smallbone cabinetry: Pompeiian bathroom decor (1988)

Smallbone Pompeiian bathroom decor (1988)


Vintage Smallbone opulent bathroom decor (1988)

Vintage Smallbone Pompeii-inspired bathroom decor (1988)


1980s bathroom decor in brown and white

The textured brown floor and walls are matched white bathroom fixtures, and enhanced by the opulent crystal chandelier and marble fireplace.

MORE: Hot tub time machines: See some retro backyard Jacuzzi hot tubs & whirlpool baths from the ’80s

1980s bathroom decor - Brown floor and walls with white bathroom fixtures


Brown retro eighties bathroom suite (1983)

These vintage pedestal sinks were extra wide

Brown retro eighties bathroom suite (1983)


Pink and yellow Asian-inspired ’80s bathroom decor (1986)

Pink and yellow Asian-inspired 80s bathroom decor (1986)


Big yellow and red bathroom with skylights (1981)

The bold red bathroom fixtures were color bursts in this restroom decorated in neutral tones. Also of note: The angled tile on the far wall, to match the angle of the roof

ALSO SEE: Colorful Kohler bathroom suites from the ’60s & ’70s

Big yellow and red bathroom with skylights (1981)


Sleek 80s-style bathroom with shiny black floor and fixtures

The raised bathtub surround is carpeted in white.

Sleek 80s-style bathroom with black floor and fixtures

 


Ocean gray and rose ash ColorCore bathroom vanity decor (1983)

Ocean gray and rose ash ColorCore bathroom vanity decor (1983)


+ MORE VINTAGE 1980S BATHROOM DECOR STYLES

Retro beige bathroom tile with red accent lines (1984)

Retro beige bathroom tile with red accent lines (1984)


Chocolate colored bathroom suite (1980)

High-fashion colors and designs bring sophistication and excitement to the baths and kitchen of The Garden Home.

The master bath features Kohler’s Swiss Chocolate color and luxurious Caribbean Whirlpool bath … a full six feet long and three feet wide for stretch-out, soaking comfort.

The planners added Kohler’s low-silhouette Rochelle toilet and “he and she” shampoo/grooming center lavatories.

Swiss Chocolate bathroom with whirlpool tub (1980)

MORE: Retro bathroom decor: 4 colorful, comfortable and convenient ’70s bathroom remodels


Blue ceramic tile surround on a bathtub (1981)

Blue ceramic tile surround on a bathtub (1981)


Makeover: Before and after modernized bathroom decor

Here, the vintage 1950s bathroom decor was renovated to match 1980s home style

Before and after modernized bathroom decor - 1950s to 1980s


Vintage bathroom remodel with canopy-style floral shower curtain  (1981)

ALSO SEE: 70 beautiful vintage canopy beds from the 1970s

Vintage bathroom remodel with floral shower curtain canopy-style (1981)


Take an old bathroom back in time (1981)

Tiles will do the trick whether real or not, and their colors can inspire the rest of the room.

In the bath [below], it’s hard to tell where reality ends and illusion begins. The inspiration: an 18th century Delft tile medallion which sits inside a mirror frame, its edges hand-painted to match. All other tiles on walls and tub are really self-adhesive paper made by DC Fix.

Another illusion: the braided rug is actually printed cotton that has been quilted. The sink skirt is gathered, then tacked to a wooden frame built around the sink.

Bathroom decor inspired by a 18th century Delft tile medallion (1981)


Swiss Chocolate bathroom with whirlpool tub (1980)

The master bath features Kohler’s Swiss Chocolate color and luxurious Caribbean Whirlpool bath … a full six feet long and three feet wide for stretch-out, soaking comfort.

The planners added Kohler’s low-silhouette Rochelle toilet and “he and she” shampoo/grooming center lavatories. Faucets are from Kohler’s avant-garde Bravura line in brushed chrome finish.

Swiss Chocolate bathroom with whirlpool tub (1980)


Vintage 1980s sunken bathtub

Vintage 1980s sunken bathtub


Vintage eighties bathroom decor – wood tones

Vintage eighties bathroom decor - wood tones


Eighties bathroom style with cream shiplap and blue fixtures

Eighties bathroom style with cream shiplap and blue fixtures


Bright green bathroom carpeting and decor (1986)

MORE LIKE THIS: Check out these 10 fuzzy toilet covers from the ’70s to see totally retro bathroom decor

Bright green bathroom carpeting and decor (1986)


Retro ’80s novelty bathroom shower curtain designs

Cute retro '80s novelty bathroom shower curtain designs

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